German cyclist Arndt livid over exclusion of lesbian lover

German cyclist Judith Arndt says her finger gesture as she crossed the finish line in Sunday's women's road race was not directed at Australian winner Sara Carrigan, but against the exclusion of her live-in lesbian lover from the Olympic team.

Photographers caught Arndt raising a one-fingered salute after crossing the line behind Carrigan.

The top-ranked German bristled during the post-race press conference over her cycling federation's refusal to nominate her girlfriend, Petra Rossner, for the Olympic road race.

Asked by reporters if her finger gesture was aimed at Carrigan, Arndt said: "It wasn't anything to do with Sara."

The 28-year-old blamed the federation for sabotaging the German team's drive to win the gruelling 118.8 kilometre race around the streets of Athens.

"Of course, we're happy about the silver medal but if the nomination had been given to Petra and she had been on the start line then things would have been different," Arndt said.

"We wouldn't have had to race so recklessly and after all she is the fastest sprinter in the world."

Arndt looked set to win gold as she led into the home stretch of the nine-lap marathon only for Carrigan to dive around her and win the scramble to the finish line.

The press conference was dominated by Arndt's anger over the non-appearance of her live-in lover Rossner.

"The anger about Petra's non-nomimation has not gone away. We gave the gold away," she said. "Petra is the best sprinter in the world. I'm sad that she did not ride with me. I dedicate my medal to her."

The 37-year-old Rossner, from Leipzig, won the 3000m individual pursuit on the track at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

She finished a disappointing 30th in the Olympic road race at Sydney in 2000, but bounced back to win the German national title in June.

Arndt's displeasure struck a chord with the Australians, celebrating Carrigan's gutsy triumph just seven years after she was first given a road bike as part of a talent identification program at her local high school.

"I'm glad she (Rossner) didn't get a ride," Australian women's road coach James Victor said.

"They would have been a bigger threat if she did. It (Rossner's omission) destabilised the Germans with a bit of friction there."

Arndt's sourness was in sharp contrast to the ebullience of Carrigan, savouring her major success in cycling.

"It's absolutely awesome, to be Olympic champion is incredible. I will treasure this day forever," said Carrigan, who regards Arndt as one of her cycling heroes.

"I've always dreamed of going to the Olympics when I was very young, I wasn't sure at what sport. To be here celebrating a gold medal is absolutely fantastic.

"Contrary to what people believe, cycling is a team sport and it was a matter of which Australian ended up on the podium.

"We'd been talking throughout the race and asking how each other felt and whether we were still sticking to our plan.

"I had fantastic legs and when I went, it wasn't too far from the end. When I was away by myself and found out I had 40 seconds on the bunch, it was all or nothing then, just go for the gold."